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Crispy Fried Homemade Mac and Cheese Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 132 reviews

Crispy Fried Homemade Mac and Cheese Bites combine creamy, cheesy macaroni with crispy bacon, all breaded and fried to golden perfection. These bite-sized snacks offer a delightful crunch on the outside with a gooey, flavorful center, making them perfect for parties, appetizers, or comfort food cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Bacon Mac and Cheese:

  • 284 g bacon (approx. 14 strips)
  • 227 g elbow macaroni
  • 30 g bacon grease or unsalted butter
  • 16 g all-purpose flour
  • 270 ml milk
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 227 g sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 227 g Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

For the Breading:

  • 125 g all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
  • ⅛ teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 180 g seasoned panko breadcrumbs
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Cook the Bacon: Fry the bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels, then crumble or chop into small pieces. Reserve 30 g of bacon grease or substitute with unsalted butter for the cheese sauce.
  2. Cook the Macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the bacon grease or butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant, forming a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring a smooth sauce. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
  4. Season the Sauce: Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and ground nutmeg to the thickened sauce, stirring well to combine.
  5. Add the Cheese: Remove sauce from heat and slowly stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and smooth.
  6. Combine Mac and Cheese: Mix the cooked macaroni and bacon pieces into the cheese sauce thoroughly. Allow the mixture to cool and thicken, ideally refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up for better shaping.
  7. Prepare the Breading Stations: Set up three shallow bowls: one with the flour mixed with salt, pepper, and onion powder; one with the beaten eggs; and one with the seasoned panko breadcrumbs.
  8. Shape the Bites: With slightly moistened hands or a scoop, form the mac and cheese mixture into bite-sized balls or small cylinders.
  9. Bread the Bites: Coat each bite first in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally roll thoroughly in the panko breadcrumbs to coat evenly.
  10. Fry the Bites: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy skillet to 175°C (350°F). Fry the coated bites in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
  11. Serve: Enjoy the crispy fried mac and cheese bites immediately while hot and gooey inside. Serve with dipping sauces like ranch or marinara if desired.

Notes

  • Using bacon grease instead of butter adds extra smoky flavor to the cheese sauce.
  • Refrigerating the mac and cheese mixture before shaping helps the bites hold together better during frying.
  • Seasoned panko breadcrumbs provide a crispier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
  • Ensure the oil temperature stays consistent at 175°C (350°F) for even frying and a crispy exterior without absorbing too much oil.
  • Leftover bites can be reheated in an oven at 180°C (350°F) to maintain crispiness.

Keywords: mac and cheese bites, crispy mac and cheese, fried appetizers, bacon mac and cheese, party snacks, comfort food

Find it online: https://busyrecipe.com/crispy-fried-homemade-mac-and-cheese-bites-recipe/